Author: drew

Reviewer:  Aaron Creighton | December 3, 2018 

Mortgages are not created equal. Whether you’re new to mortgages or on your fifth, boost your knowledge with our complete guide to understanding home mortgages.

 

 

 

 

Home Mortgage Overview

Let’s face it, home ownership is the American dream. But the median listing price for homes on the market at over $250,000, according to Zillow, so most homebuyers need to finance their purchase with a mortgage instead of paying cash.

But finding the right mortgage can be just as important as finding the right house! Getting the right terms, the right rate, the right features, and the right broker can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide explains how mortgages work, the basics of mortgage fees and the mortgage process, and the different types of loans available. You’ll get an overview of the top mortgage lenders in the United States so you can find the best deal for your loan.

How Home Mortgages Work

A mortgage is a secured loan with your home as collateral, so the lender actually owns your home until you’ve paid them all of the money for it. You will make payments on the loan each month, which includes interest, until it is paid off. After you pay off the mortgage, the lender will give you the title to the property, and you’ll finally be the outright owner of your home.

 

When you choose a mortgage, you have four major decisions to make: the lender, loan type, loan term and interest rate type.

Types of Mortgage Loans

The first decision you’ll have to make is which type of mortgage to get. There are two major types of mortgage loans: conventional and government-backed.

Conventional loans do not offer the same guarantees but often have lower interest rates, because better borrowers typically get better rates. Features:

• Not guaranteed by any government
• Contract between homebuyer and private lender
• Requires a down payment from 5 to 20%
• Requires insurance if paying less than a 20% down payment

Government-backed mortgage programs allow lenders to offer mortgages to people who would not otherwise qualify for them by guaranteeing the mortgage. This reduces the amount of risk the lender is exposed to. Examples of government-backed mortgage programs include:

• Basic Home Mortgage Loan 203(b) government-insured mortgage program
• FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program
• The Veterans Affairs Purchase Loan program (VA Loans)
• USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
• State and local mortgage programs

Mortgage Basics

There are a few things you should know about mortgages before continuing with your research.

• Interest Rates
• Closing costs
• Products
• Customer satisfaction
• Missing Payments

Interest Rates: Lenders charge different interest rates, so it pays to shop around. Over the lifetime of a loan, a small difference in interest rate can add up to big money. Fixed interest rates are closely competitive, but there can be big variations between fixed-rate loan offerings.

Closing costs: There are a number of costs to keep in mind when you purchase your home. These include application fees, appraisal, and loan origination fees. So it’s important to see what these are, and factor them into whether the loan with the lowest interest rate really is the best deal.

Products: Mortgage products most often refer to the different terms (time you agree to pay back the mortgage) these include 15, 20 and 30 year mortgages with fixed or adjustable interest rates. Adjustable-rate mortgages have additional variation because of how often the rate can change and by how much. Some lenders offer government backed programs you may qualify for, so if you want a FHA, VA or USDA loan, find out which lenders participate.

Customer Satisfaction: One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is to choose a home mortgage lender based solely on rates and prices. Customer service should be considered, as you may be dealing with the company for years.

Missing Payments: The most important thing to do when you can’t pay your mortgage is to act fast. There are many programs available since the financial crisis that can help homeowners stay in their homes through tough economic patches. Make sure you are communicative and honest about your situation, and lean on trusted advisors.

How to Get a Mortgage

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you’ll likely make, so do your homework and make sure you’re ready. Start by reviewing your bank accounts and billing statements to get a handle on how much money you’re making and spending each month. If you’re planning to buy a house with someone else (like your spouse), review their finances as well, and then ask yourself some questions:

• Do you have a stable income/job?
• Are you able to put away some money each month into a savings account?
• Do you have a plan for managing debt, like student loans and car payments?
• Do you typically pay your credit card debt quickly? Keeping your credit debt low will help you qualify for a better mortgage.
• Do you have some money already saved up for emergencies? A good rule of thumb is having three months of income saved.
• Do you have some money saved up for a down payment and closing costs? You should avoid using your emergency savings for this, or you could put yourself in a tight situation.

 

Reviewer:  Aaron Creighton | December 3, 2018 

Losing weight can be easy and fun when you choose the right program for you. But with so many programs claiming a permanent weight loss solution, where do you start?

 

Weight Loss Program Evaluation Criteria

We really put our editorial staff through the wringer on this one! We’ve tested over 67 weight loss programs, and evaluated them on multiple levels: what the experts think, what past customers think, and what we think.

• Support – The social components that make losing weight easier
• Customer Service – A responsive team can help significantly
• Affordability – Can’t lose weight if you can’t afford to stick to a program
• Customer Satisfaction – What former customers say about the product
• Quality – If the products they push measure up
• Taste – Many programs provide food and it must taste good
• Lifestyle – If you’re active you need a program that gives you enough calories
• Realism – A piece of lettuce and a lemon wedge is not a realistic lunch for most
• Duration – A 48 week program might be more than most can handle

How Weight Loss Programs Work

Weight loss programs work best when they work for you. To reach and stay at a healthy weight over the long term, you must focus on your overall health and lifestyle habits, not just on what you eat. Successful weight-loss programs should promote healthy behaviors that help you lose weight safely, that you can stick with every day, and that help you keep the weight off.

Safe and successful weight-loss programs should include:

• Lifestyle Coaching – which involves counseling or guides to healthier living
• Whole Health Approach – sleep and stress can have a big impact on your success
• Regular Feedback – monitoring success and progress towards goals is important
• Slow and Steady – programs that offer too much too quit should be avoided

Weight Loss Program Types

If you’re deciding what type of weight loss program is best for you, think about times that you successfully completed a goal in the past and try to remember what motivated you before. How much time do you have? Are you social or prefer to work independently? Do you have any physical ailments that will limit your ability to exercise?

In-person weight loss programs

Typically these programs meet at community centers or storefronts and provide social support and coaching for a group of people trying to achieve the same goal. This can be very helpful for social people, but discouraging for people who prefer to work alone or feel self-conscious of their weight.

Online weight loss programs

This is a good option if you are self-conscious about meeting in person, but also wish to benefit from social support. Use of forums, apps, and all kinds of technological means of communicating has made these programs popular and successful.

Customizable weight loss programs

Customization comes in all forms. From diet plans to meal delivery programs all tailored to your ability to exercise or not.

Packaged meal programs

Packed meal programs can be extremely helpful for busy people. Having a meal delivered right to your door is obviously convenient, and also make a big impact if you commit to not snacking in between scheduled meals.

People generally find the best results with programs that use a combination of the programs above for a whole-health approach to weight loss. Now it’s time to consider what’s going to work best for you.

 

What to look for when choosing a weight loss program?

Don’t be fooled by the fad diets or fly-by-night salesmen. Stick to the programs that work for others because statistically they’re more likely to work for you too. But it bears repeating, you must choose a program that is going to work with your workstyle and lifestyle. So be honest with yourself first, and then read on.

Lifestyle fit: Figure out whether a plan is compatible with your lifestyle before committing. Think about how much time and planning goes into each weight loss program. Some people find that meal planning and preparation takes up too much time, while others enjoy planning meals and spending time cooking and shopping for ingredients.

Diet restrictions vs. dietary needs: Look carefully if you have dietary restrictions. Most plans these days can accommodate a wide variety of food restrictions but it’s important to take a very careful look at these things if you have a food allergy.

Caloric intake: Some people naturally need more calories to keep them from feeling hungry. If you’re someone who suffers greatly when hungry, you may want to read the comments people who have taken the program before you.

Accessibility to foods: Some diet plans ship foods straight to your door, while others require you to shop for very particular ingredients. Consider whether the food allowed on a particular diet will fit into your budget and be relatively easy to find at grocery stores.

 

Summary

Use our guide to get a better understanding of what you need and what might work for you. Then, take a look at our top picks and request some free information. Many companies offer specials for signing up that include free food, free memberships, and much more.

 

Reviewer:  Aaron Creighton | December 3, 2018

If maintaining independence and aging in place is important to you or the senior in your life, a stair lift can help. But where should you start?

 

 

 

 

 

What is a Stair Lift?

All over the country and around the world, people are aging, and many of them are aging in place. There are all sorts of reasons, but it is by far the most commonly desired place to age (more than 90%, according to AARP) would prefer to remain at home for as long as possible. They would rather not transition to a senior care community unless or until it’s absolutely necessary.

But many seniors realistically sit between independence and the need for assistance. This is the primary reason that many long-distance caregivers and concerned family members worry about senior relatives or friends who either live alone, who are in poor/failing health, or live with a frail spouse who has care needs of his/her own.

stair lifts can help facilitate a more comfortable lifestyle for seniors who wish to stay in place.

People who Benefit from Stair Lifts

People who can’t walk
People who cannot walk at all can benefit from stair lifts, as these devices allow them to move from floor to floor. Depending on the nature of their disability, these users may need assistance getting in and out of the stair lift. The devices were originally invented for polio sufferers, and people who can’t walk are one of the target markets for this type of device.

People who have trouble bending their knees: People who have trouble bending their knees will not be able to walk up and down steps easily. A perch seat or standing platform stair lift can help these people get from floor to floor with no trouble.

People who have limited mobility: People who have limited mobility, including needing a cane or walker to keep their balance, can benefit from the use of stair lifts so that they can safely move from floor to floor.

People with heart or lung issues: People with heart conditions, severe asthma or other medical issues that limit their ability to engage in physical activity might want to use a stair lift to minimize the health risk when going from floor to floor.

People who are obese: People who are obese may have trouble with mobility, joint pain, respiratory problems and balance issues and could be aided by a stair lift.

Cost of a Stair Lift

Unfortunately, the cost of stair lifts prevent many seniors with fixed incomes from installing them. The irony however, is that senior care facilities or full-time caregivers are much more expensive. The trouble is, most people wait too long before installing a stair lift, so the option is no longer available.

Prices for stair lifts range from $999 to over $10,000, based on need and features desired. But there are a number of ways to pay for them, or get them paid for through other sources.

A reverse mortgage, second mortgage, or home improvement loan are also popular ways of financing the installation of a chair lift. Most people think that a reverse mortgage means losing the home, but it’s actually just a creative way to pull cash from the equity of a home.

Always check your health insurance policy first, you might have some options. Additionally, there are sometimes local grants or programs that can help seniors get funding for home updates for aging in place.

Types of stair lifts

Once you’ve considered the costs, explored funding options, determined that your home can support this modification, and decided between renting and buying, the next big decision is choosing which stair lift is the best for your needs.

Full seated stair lifts: Most people think of full seated stair lifts when they think of a stair lift. These lifts contain a seat with a back and a footrest, both of which are usually adjustable. The user sits down and presses a button on the lift to raise or lower it.

Standing platforms: Users who have difficulty sitting, can’t bend their knees easily or prefer to stand may want to use a standing platform. This type of platform allows the user to stand up and hold onto the sides of the lift. These lifts are often narrower than full seated lifts.

Outdoor stair lift: Some stair lifts are specifically made for the outdoors. These lifts attach to wooden staircases so that users can access steps leading to their entryway or can get on and off decks and patios.

Safety features

Stair lifts are equipped with a variety of safety features in order to ensure users that they don’t fall or injure themselves while using the device.

Safety sensors: Most stair lifts contain sensors that search for obstacles in the device’s path such as items left on the steps. The sensors automatically turn off the device and don’t allow movement until the obstacles are removed.

Aircraft or other strong cable: Cables are designed to hold up to 4,200 pounds so that they won’t snap or break while people are using the device.

Pressure-sensitive controls: Controls on the device itself are sensitive to pressure; if the user stops pressing the button, the lift immediately stops moving.

Additional Features to Consider

Remote control

Many stair lifts offer the option of a remote control to access the stair lift from far away.

Call lift to top or bottom of steps: If a user is on one floor and the stair lift is on the other, the user can call the lift to where it is needed by pressing a button on the remote control.

Save power: Users can save the stair lift’s power by turning it off via remote control when not in use.

Works in conjunction with device control: The device itself may have a joystick or button that controls the lift. The remote will not override this control and can only be used when the stair lift is not in operation.

Swivel ability: Most stair lifts allow the seat to swivel so that it can be turned by hand or turned while a person is sitting in it. Users can simply sit down in the seat and turn it in the direction they want to go. Then the stair lift can very easily be turned around so that it can go in the other direction.

Adjustability

Most stair lifts allow users to quickly and easily adjust the seat.

Lever operated: Users might be able to raise or lower the seat by pressing a lever with their foot or hand.

Adjustable back and footrests: Users can adjust both the back of the device and the footrest for maximum comfort.

Folding seat: The seat can be folded back on some units to create a standing platform or a perch seat.

Platform Options

Many stair lifts offer a variety of platform options to make them useful and enjoyable to a wide range of customers.

Sit/stand option: Users can fold the seat back to make a standing platform for those who would rather stand up while being transported up and down steps.

Perch seat: Those consumers who have difficulty with their knees may find it easier to get into a perch seat than into a standard seat.

Hinged platform: Hinged platforms allow the device to attach to stairs that are located inside a doorway or other narrow space.

Rail Shape

Rails for stair lifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes so that they can accommodate all types of stairways.

Straight rails: Straight rails go straight up and down steps. These are designed for traditional flights of stairs.

Curved rails: Users can go up and down spiral or other curved stairways using these types of rails.

L-shaped rails: If a set of stairs suddenly turns at a 90 degree angle – as is popular in modern homes – L-shaped rails can allow a stair lift to travel over them.

How to Buy a Stair Lift

Do your research! Don’t trusted articles you read on the internet alone, make sure you talk to people who are non-biased, so don’t just trust everything that the stair lift salesman tells you. Get free information from multiple stair lift providers, and select a few that might work. At that point, request a home assessment from multiple companies to get a variety of estimates. Remember that all estimates are negotiable, and be on the lookout for scams or expensive warranties that you don’t need.

Reviewer:  Aaron Creighton | December 3, 2018 | Affordable Walk-in Tub Buyers Guide

An affordable walk-in tub provides a safe, spa-like experience for seniors, people with mobility issues, and anyone else who wants a more comfortable bath at home.

What You Need to Know

Our staff reviews products that improve the quality of life for senior Americans. We evaluated dozens of the best walk-in tubs available today (you can find our Top Picks here) based on the following criteria and gave each a unique score.

• Safety
• Comfort
• Overall Affordability
• Installation Costs
• Therapeutic Benefits
• Customer Service
• Durability
• Warranty

Walk-in Tub Overview

Walk-in tubs provide a safe, spa-like experience for seniors, people with mobility issues and anyone else who wants a more comfortable bath at home. Walk-in tubs provide safe, healthy living for people of all ages.

Benefits of a Walk-in Tub

Increases Safety

Seniors have much more to lose from a fall than a younger person. Even a small fall without a serious injury can cause a big drop in confidence, the loss of independence, and ultimately lead to rapidly declining hygiene and overall health.

Walk-in tubs bring safety features that dramatically reduce the chance of a fall:

1. Anti-Slip Tub Floor –  Texture provides sure footing even when wet.
2. Built-In Chair – No-slip seat is both comfortable and safe. ADA compliant.
3. Quick Release Drain – Exit the tub quickly after a bath. No waiting for slow draining.
4. Wide, No-Step Door – Extra-wide, low door for the obese and wheelchair-bound.
5. Built-in Grab Bars – Provide a dependable handhold when entering and exiting tub.
6. “Safe Water” Cleaning System – Easy way to keep your tub in great working order.
7. Anti-Scald Technology – Keeps water warm while preventing accidental burns.
8. Low-Step – Perfect for those with limited mobility and balance issues.
9. In-Front Access Panels – Allows for quicker repairs if necessary.
10. Aluminum Frame – Sold structure provides long-lasting durability.
11. Interior Gel-Coat – Keeps tub sanitary and mold-free.

Reducing the risk of falling helps increase independence, and greatly improves quality of life.

Relaxing and Soothing

These tubs give you a spa-like experience in the privacy of your own home. With relaxing jets, deeper water, and a more comfortable seating position, comfortable bathing has never been easier. The deeper tubs do take a bit more time to fill, up to 15 minutes, but the results are well worth the wait.

Improves Health

Relaxation is great, but actual health benefits are better. The warm, bubbling water helps alleviate a variety of health issues including joint pain, arthritis, diabetes complications and more.

Customizable for You

There’s a tub for practically any site, bathroom layout and budget. You can find a relatively low-cost tub with the basics or you can find something fancier for a bit more. Basically, all manufacturers offer a variety of styles, colors and design.

Features

1. Anti-Slip Tub Floor – Secure texture provides sure footing even when wet. See if you can feel the texture, as some extreme versions can cause scrapes to feet and knees.
2. Built-In Chair – ADA compliant, no-slip seat is both comfortable and safe. An added feature for many tubs is a heated seat. Heated seats can make waiting for your tub to drain and fill a much more pleasant experience.
3. Quick Release Drain – Since the coldest part of the bath is waiting for the tub to drain, a quick release can make a big difference to comfort. Many tub manufacturers can provide estimates on how quickly a tub can drain, but only a professional plumber can confirm that your plumbing can handle the volume.
4. Wide, No-Step Door – Wider doors are useful to larger people and the wheelchair bound. It’s always a good idea to try the actual tub prior to buying. So make sure you can visit a salesroom floor to make sure you can comfortably enter and exit your tub.
5. Built-in Grab Bars – Most grab bars are strategically placed to be maximally useful. However, people come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of fitness, so what works well for one person may not work well for another.
6. Cleaning System – Makes sure that your tub is always clean and fresh. This reduces the need to get down and clean it extensively. Preventing mineral build up reduces the need to clean a walk in tub substantially, as dirt and debris do not stick to surfaces without mineral buildup as easily.
7. Anti-Scald Technology – Scalding is a major danger for anyone who is filling up a tub while already inside. Temperature sensing technology can reduce the risk of scalding by controlling the temperature of the water coming out of the spigot.
8. Low-Step – The lower the step, the easier it is for people with limited mobility to enter and exit the tub. Step height should always be an important consideration in your decision.
9. In-Front Access Panels – Front access panels for maintenance and repairs can reduce the cost of ownership. If service technicians have easy access, they typically charge less money for repairs.
10. Aluminum Frame – A lighter frame can reduce installation costs, and provide a sturdy, long lasting and corrosion resistant body for maximizing the lifespan of the tub and ensuring that it lasts as long as your house does.
11. Interior Gel-Coat – Gel coatings are antimicrobial and reduce the chances of mold. These coatings can improve health and hygiene and require less upkeep.

Installation

Installing a walk-in tub isn’t something you can tackle on your own. It involves framing, plumbing, electrical, tiling and more. Plumbers are great resources. So if you have a trusted plumber, they are great people to ask!

A plumber can often give you a non-biased opinion of features and companies, but many walk-in tub companies offer their own installation services. This is great for anyone who prefers to deal with only a few representatives, and have the entire process taken care of by professionals.

Unless you’re a plumbing professional, installing your walk-in bathtub isn’t a project you can do on your own. Safe installation involves plumbing, electrical, framing, tiling and more. Hiring the right installation team is an important part of the process.

An independent plumber is the cheaper option in 9 out of 10 cases. They’re also more likely to recommend the best tub with the features you need.

How to buy

Do your research first! Once you’re knowledgeable on the basics of walk-in tubs, get some free quotes and request information from several reputable companies. You can compare features and prices to determine which combination works best for your life. If possible, check out a local showroom where you can try the tubs out dry. Our experts have assembled a list of the best walk-in tubs available to make it easier on you